Family therapists as clients in therapy
Abstract
The purpose of the present research was to examine the experiences of family therapists in personal therapy from both the perspectives of the provider and client. Using a qualitative research methodology, family therapists were interviewed about the process of the therapy, the relational dynamics, and the personal and professional effects of their experiences. Through thematic analysis, it was found that family therapists are a unique client population who experience increased vulnerability as clients, require heightened sensitivity to boundaries and trust issues, bring forth unique ethical dilemmas, and function in simultaneous dual roles as therapist and client in the therapy room. Based on these findings, the researcher made recommendations for the development of ethical guidelines, impairment remediation programs, and treatment strategies for helping distressed family therapists.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sprenkle, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|American literature|Psychotherapy
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